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Your no-nonsense guide to the British army
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Joining the army

Welcome to your independent guide to the British army.

There’s also advice for parents, as well as for serving soldiers who want to leave the army.

Every week, 900 people come here to get the facts before they sign up.

What you need to know

Top FIVE questions to ask yourself before you sign up

Based on the questions we get most often.

Read More “Top FIVE questions to ask yourself before you sign up”

What do soldiers say about the army?

There’s plenty to love and to hate about the army, say most soldiers…

Read More “What do soldiers say about the army?”

Do soldiers like their job?

How many soldiers would recommend army life to their civvie mates?

Read More “Do soldiers like their job?”

Can you leave the army if you don’t like it?

After the first few months you are ‘locked in’ to the army for at least four years, sometimes longer.

Read More “Can you leave the army if you don’t like it?”

Is it better to join the army at 16 or 18?

You get a better deal from joining at 18 or older. Here’s why…

Read More “Is it better to join the army at 16 or 18?”

What’s British army training like?

Army training is intense. Find out why, how it works, and what you can expect.

Read More “What’s British army training like?”

What’s the Army Foundation College like?

The college is graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted but has had some serious problems.

Read More “What’s the Army Foundation College like?”

How hard is army training?

Most soldiers get through training but a lot leave or are thrown out.

Read More “How hard is army training?”

Do all soldiers have to kill people?

Any soldier might have to kill. Some soldiers are more likely than others to kill in war, especially the infantry.

Read More “Do all soldiers have to kill people?”

How dangerous is a soldier’s job?

This depends on the kind of job the soldier has and how often they’re sent to war, but the main risks aren’t what you might expect…

Read More “How dangerous is a soldier’s job?”

I’m female and want to join the army – what do I need to know?

Many women enjoy army life, but sexual harassment and assault are very common.

Read More “I’m female and want to join the army – what do I need to know?”

What courses can I do in the army?

A lot depends on the kind of job you sign up for. Some army jobs can lead to courses in a trade, others don’t offer very much.

Read More “What courses can I do in the army?”

Can I change my army role after I’ve joined up?

Not usually, no. The job you sign up for is the one you should expect to keep.

Read More “Can I change my army role after I’ve joined up?”

How fit do you have to be to join the British army?

If you join the army, the jobs you get to choose from depend on how fit you are when you apply – in mind and body.

Read More “How fit do you have to be to join the British army?”

How long could I stay in the army?

If soldiers get through training then they stay in the army for an average of about 8 years. That’s a lot longer than most people in other jobs.

Read More “How long could I stay in the army?”

How do you pass the army medical?

In the army medical, you’ll be asked in detail about your medical history. Here’s what you need to know.

Read More “How do you pass the army medical?”

What are the facts about racism in the army?

The army’s leaders are trying to deal with racism but it’s still a common experience for many.

Read More “What are the facts about racism in the army?”

What are the facts about bullying in the army?

Are you ready to deal with any bullying in the army? Most soldiers aren’t bullied but it does happen and it can be rough.

Read More “What are the facts about bullying in the army?”

What’s a soldier’s pay like?

Soldiers often complain about their pay, saying it doesn’t make up for the hardships of the army, though there are a few perks.

Read More “What’s a soldier’s pay like?”

How reliable is the #armyjobs site?

Like all marketing tools, the army site tells you the good stuff (and there is some good stuff) and leaves out the bad.

Read More “How reliable is the #armyjobs site?”

What should I ask army recruiters?

Ask your recruiter all the same questions as you find here – compare the answers.

Read More “What should I ask army recruiters?”

Where can I find out more about the army?

Visit these sites to find out more about army life from (very) different points of view:

Read More “Where can I find out more about the army?”

Advice for parents

My child wants to JOIN the army – what should I do?

If your child wants to join the army aged 16 or 17 then they’ll need your permission first. There are good reasons to wait until your child turns 18, which is what many parents do. Whichever choice you make, this page is based on the questions we’re most often asked.

Read More “My child wants to JOIN the army – what should I do?”

My child wants to LEAVE the army – what can I do?

If your child wants to leave the army and they’re not yet 18 then they can, but there are some restrictions. If your child is already 18 then it’s more difficult. Either way, this page will guide you through your options.

Read More “My child wants to LEAVE the army – what can I do?”

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